call for dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

'call for dinner' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that it is time to start a meal. For example, you could write: "Mom called for dinner, so we all gathered around the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Call for dinner reservations.

The New York Times

When I didn't answer her call for dinner, she came and stood in the doorway.

The Guardian - Opinion

Night had barely fallen when the attendants came around to proclaim the first call for dinner.

The New York Times - Travel

(I'm an admitted cell phone user in Olympic National Park, but I use it to call for dinner reservations).

The New York Times - Tech

Nilsson had asked that I eat at Faviken before we talk much about his food so I return to my snug plank-lined room – more Little House on the Prairie than I had imagined – and await the call for dinner.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As an educational psychologist, I frequently find myself advising parents to let their children read whatever helps them not hear the call for dinner.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"My mother may call me for dinner.

The New York Times

She loved the way it sounded when her father called her for dinner.

The New York Times - Books

Their plans call for dinners, brunches, sightseeing excursions and a hospitality suite, where people can grab food or drink whenever they want.

The New York Times - Style

We declined, because the rules set by American Express called for dinner for two.

The New York Times

As we waited for our names to be called for dinner, the Welches filled me in on the details of that first trip.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "call for dinner" to indicate a summons to a meal, especially in a family or casual setting. It suggests an informal announcement that it's time to eat.

Common error

Avoid using "call for dinner" in very formal contexts, such as a black-tie event or a business dinner. Opt for phrases like "dinner is served" or more elaborate invitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call for dinner" functions as an idiomatic expression used to announce that a meal is ready and people are expected to come and eat. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "call for dinner" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to announce that a meal is ready. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. While primarily found in news and media, it maintains a neutral to informal tone, making it suitable for family settings and casual announcements. Alternatives range from formal summons like "dinner is served" to informal invitations like "dinner's ready". When writing, remember that while widely accepted, it's best reserved for less formal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tell someone dinner is ready

Specifies that you are informing someone of the meal's readiness.

ask to come for dinner

More of a request than a summons, implying politeness.

time for dinner

States that it is the appropriate time to start dinner.

announce dinner time

Replaces the "call" with a more formal announcement.

summon to dinner

Uses a more formal verb to indicate the act of calling someone to dinner.

yell for dinner

Indicates the calling is done in a loud voice.

dinner is served

Focuses on the readiness of the meal rather than the act of calling.

holler for dinner

An informal, often regional, way to say to call for dinner.

invite to supper

Uses "supper" instead of "dinner" and "invite" implying a more formal setting.

dinner's on

An informal way to say dinner is ready and available.

FAQs

How can I use "call for dinner" in a sentence?

You can use "call for dinner" to indicate that it's time to eat, such as "My mom would always "call for dinner" when our favorite TV show was about to start".

What's a more formal way to say "call for dinner"?

Alternatives like "dinner is served" or "may I invite you to dinner" are more formal ways to announce mealtime. These phrases are appropriate for more upscale settings.

What can I say instead of "call for dinner" in a casual setting?

In a casual setting, you might say "dinner's ready", "come and get it", or simply "time to eat". These phrases are more relaxed and friendly.

Is "called to dinner" grammatically correct instead of "call for dinner"?

"Called to dinner" implies that someone has been summoned or invited to dinner, while ""call for dinner"" suggests an announcement that it is time to eat. The two are grammatically sound but contextually different.